Preservation Institute Nantucket
PIN 2026 The Hunt for New Guinea continues…
Explore Nantucket’s heritage this summer with a trip to the nation’s oldest operating field school for historic preservation, Preservation Institute Nantucket (PIN) in partnership with the University of Florida’s Historic Preservation program. Since 1972 PIN has been at the forefront of researching, documenting, and safeguarding Nantucket’s illustrious history. This summer, we will continue our work into unraveling the mystery of the historic area often called New Guinea.
The origins of the area are likely in the 18th century, with residents of Nantucket’s most diverse communities, including African, Cape Verdean, Portuguese, and Azorean families. Many well-known Black whalers, formerly enslaved people, and descendants from Nantucket’s Wampanoag population lived here and are buried in the nearby ‘Coloured Cemetery.’
Last year PIN students researched 345 sites in the area, yet many questions remain. Join us this summer to work alongside local experts and become history detectives. Using existing archaeological information, local archives, architectural and building technology investigation, your research will help to answer the questions: Where was the original New Guinea neighborhood? What influenced the early-1800s speculative real estate development in the area and did those new buildings replace earlier Black-owned homes? Are earlier buildings hidden within some 19th century structures? Is there still evidence of the New Guinea families on Nantucket after the 1850s fall of whaling?
Part of PIN is also experiencing life on Nantucket, an island thirty miles out to sea and a summer playground! Students will explore local museums and restaurants, celebrate the 4th of July festivities, and enjoy the surf and sun at pristine beaches. Kayak and paddleboard through winding creeks, embark on group bike adventures, and savor the flavors of Nantucket’s farm-fresh produce, freshly caught seafood, and local brews. A summer at PIN is a life-changing experience, bridging technical knowledge in the field of historic preservation with real-world applications, and forging life-long friendships and professional connections.
Join us in discovering and preserving the layered story of Nantucket. Apply now for an unforgettable summer experience with PIN2026!
PIN is open to graduate and upper-level undergraduate students, as well as recent graduates, from any institution across the world.
Virtual Open Houses: February 11 (noon EST) and April 1 (noon EST). Registration Required by clicking the meeting date.
Applications Due: March 2 (Priority) and April 27 (Final)
Fee: $4,500 (includes tuition, housing and field trips)
Curriculum: 6 graduate credits, transferrable